Operating device of a motor vehicle and method for recording user inputs

Abstract

In an operating device of a motor vehicle and a method for recording user inputs in a motor vehicle, the operating device includes a control unit and at least one operating element coupled to the control unit, via whose operation a user input is able to be recorded, an approach sensor system being coupled to the control unit, using which an approach of an actuating element, e.g., of a body part, for example, of a finger of a user to the at least one operating element is able to be recorded before the operation of the at least one operating element occurs. The control unit is adapted to, in response to a recorded approach of the actuating element to the at least one operating element, output information in connection with an operation of the operating element before an operation of the operating element occurs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to Application No. 10 2006 059 032.5, filed in the Federal Republic of Germany on Dec. 14, 2006, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an operating device of a motor vehicle and to a method for recording user inputs in a motor vehicle.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0003]As a rule, motor vehicles have a multitude of operating elements by which different functions of the motor vehicle may be activated. For this, modern motor vehicles, as a rule, have a multifunctional operating device which usually includes a display device. This display device is frequently arranged as a touch screen. Operating areas are indicated on the touch screen. The operation of such an operating element designated as virtual is accomplished by touching the touch-sensitive surface of the touch screen using an actuating element. The actuat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Example embodiments of the present invention provide an operating device for a motor vehicle, as well as a method for recording a user input, using which the intuitive operation of vehicle functions and systems is made easier, and, in addition, the probability of an operating error, particularly one based on a lack of foreseeability of the consequence of the operation of an operating element by the user, is reduced.

[0011]To do this, it is provided that an operating device of a motor vehicle, which includes a control unit and at least one operating element coupled to the control unit, via the operation of which a user input is able to be recorded, includes an approach sensor system, that is coupled to the control unit, using which the approach to an operating element, especially by a body part, e.g., a finger of a user, to the at least one operating element before the operation of the at least one operating element is able to be recorded, the control unit being configured to output information that is in connection with an operation of the operating element before the operation of the operating element, in response to the recorded approach of the actuating element to the at least one operating element. A user input is thus recorded using an operation of at least one of the at least one operating element, control signals being generated by a control device, coupled to the at least one operating element, to trigger a function / operating action. The approach of the activating element to the at least one operating element is recorded using an approach sensor system linked to the control unit, and as a result of the recorded approach to the at least one operating element, information in connection with the operation of the operating element is output. Thereby, information is output to the user, which allows him to estimate what consequence is entailed by the operation of the operating element to which he has approached the actuating element. In the following, it is assumed that the actuating element is in each case an index finger of one hand of the user. In practice, however, any other object could just as well be involved which the user puts near the operating element to operate it, for example, a pin, pen or stylus. Using the operating device described and the method described, it may be achieved that the operating consequences are able to be recognized without having to trigger the corresponding operating action. This avoids unnecessary operating actions. In an overall sense, this leads to increased convenience for the user. Moreover, the overall operating time is shortened, which means an increase in safety, since a driver is distracted from other tasks for a shorter period, so that he is able to trigger a vehicle function or perform another operating action. All in all, the probability of an operating error and the number of operating errors is clearly reduced.

[0017]It may be provided that the information in connection with the at least one operating element or the at least one further operating element is output acoustically and / or visually. An acoustical output provides that a user does not have to avert his view from the roadway, to check the operating consequence of an operating element. Especially in the case of operating elements that are not located closely adjacent to the display device, this is additionally advantageous since, as a rule, the user has directed his view to the operating element to which he is approaching the actuating element. Consequently, he is not forced by the acoustical information output to look at a display that is not located within his field of view, while he is observing the operating element.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is frequently not sufficiently clear to the user in spite of this, what the consequences are of operating a certain operating element, in the respective current use context.

The result is frequent operating errors.

Operating errors caused by faulty foreseeability of operating consequences, as well as “trial and error”-shaped operating sequences are costly in time, and consequently represent a safety risk for the driver of the vehicle.

In addition, they generate frustration and a negative product experience.

It is true particularly in the case of operating elements that cannot be placed directly adjacent to a display area, that a legend, especially a legend to be taken in context, is possible only in an insufficient manner, or not at all.

This inadequate legend contributes to the faulty foreseeability of operating consequences, mentioned above, and thus to operating errors, and indirectly to a safety risk.

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